Chelle Snubs Boniface, Okoye As He Names Nigeria’s 28-Man Squad For 2025 AFCON
By Saheed Afolabi
Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle has snubbed Werder Bremen forward, Victor Boniface, Udinese shot stopper, Maduka Okoye and striker, Tolu Arokodare as he names his final 28 man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
High profile players like goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and striker Victor Osimhen among headlines the selected players for the tournament which will kickoff in Morocco on Sunday, December 21.
The list also features key regulars including Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Frank Onyeka, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze.
Chelle handed recalls to goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Igoh Ogbu, and forward Paul Onuachu, while several newcomers like England-based Ryan Alebiosu, Usman Muhammed of Israel, Italy-based Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Belgium’s Tochukwu Nnadi, and Croatia-based forward Salim Fago Lawal earns their first senior call-ups.
The Super Eagles will continue their preparations with a friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt on Tuesday, 16 December, at Cairo Stadium. The team will then fly to Fès, their Group C base, on 18 December.
Nigeria, three-time African champions, will open their AFCON campaign against Tanzania on 23 December, before facing Tunisia on 27 December and Uganda on 30 December.
Nigeria’s 28-Man Squad for AFCON Morocco 2025
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa);
Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania);
Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England);
Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England);
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England);
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece);
Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France);
Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal);
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic);
Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England);
Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England);
Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey);
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium);
Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium);
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy);
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy);
Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy);
Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England);
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey);
Simon Moses (Paris FC, France);
Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain);
Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain);
Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey);
Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece);
Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)
